Treatment of Cuts, etc.

In all treatment of cuts and sores the chief thing to remember is asepsis, which means free from germs. With many home remedies this is not considered. In all cases of ordinary cuts or scratches it is advisable to apply an antiseptic immediately. Dilute tincture of iodine or methylated spirit will cleanse the wound of any germs that may be introduced. In the case of a cut made with a garden tool or in a stable or a similar place it is always necessary to visit a doctor, who will probably give an injection of antitetanic serum to guard against tetanus page 61 —or lockjaw as it is often called. If a wound is of any depth a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible, as there is the danger of tendons or ligaments being severed, and unless they are properly connected loss of function may follow.

In every home it is a good plan to keep a first-aid box. This box should contain: (1) A screw jar, or tin containing pieces of boiled rag. The tin or jar must be boiled to make it germ free. Then when the clean rags are put in, the jar must be put in the oven for half an hour or so. This makes the dressings germ-proof. (2) Roll of cotton wool. (3) Bandages. (4) An ordinary enamel basin. (5) A pair of scissors. (6) A pair of dressing forceps. Boil the basin, scissors and forceps, and do not put the hands into the sterile jar.